Jackie Bird has left Reporting Scotland after 30 years of covering many of the country’s major news stories.

The hugely respected BBC presenter delivered her final bulletin on Wednesday night, with only a few close colleagues aware that it was her last time at the helm.

The 56-year-old said: “I’m not leaving the BBC, I’m just vacating the news desk.

“I've been fortunate to cover most of the major news stories in Scotland over the last 30 years.

“I’ve been planning this for a while. I thought I’d give it until Brexit was sorted, but I fear I might have to stay for another 30 years.”

Jackie Bird has left Reporting Scotland after 30 years (Image: BBC)

She added: “I’ve been privileged to be involved in so many memorable news events, from seismic political changes to reporting live from Afghanistan. I’ve presented the programme from Washington to Westminster and last year anchoring from France on the centenary of the Armistice was an honour.

“None of this would have been possible without some tremendous colleagues – and it’s them that I will miss most, but it’s time to move on.”

Jackie, who also hosts many annual Scottish TV events such as Hogmanay, Children in Need and the World Pipe Band content for the BBC, has stepped away from her role at Reporting Scotland to focus more on projects outwith news.

She is particularly keen to front ad hoc current affairs specials such as the investigation into the Glasgow bin lorry disaster.

Jackie Bird has covered many of the country's major news stories over the past three decades (Image: BBC Scotland)

She also wants to get more involved in writing for TV and radio.

But while she’s excited to spread her wings and try new things, she admits it also feels a bit daunting.

She said: “I’m actually apprehensive about making such a big change – even last week I considered changing my mind and staying, but it’s something I have to do.”

BBC Scotland Head of News, Gary Smith said: “Jackie is one of the most talented and committed journalists I’ve ever worked with. Her passion and energy for the job are unsurpassed.

“As a TV news presenter, she is the ultimate professional, who copes supremely well with whatever comes her way. She’s also great fun. For many in the newsroom - and the audience across the country - she just IS Reporting Scotland. I’ll miss her, the team in the newsroom will miss her, Scotland will miss her,” he added.

BBC Scotland Director Donalda MacKinnon said: "I've had the pleasure of working with Jackie for many years now and it's been very reassuring for me and for many of us that she's been at the helm of the country's most watched news programme.

"She's a brilliant journalist and multi-talented broadcaster who will, I hope, continue to work with us here at BBC Scotland. She was an inspiration to many female colleagues particularly during her earlier years when newsrooms were largely dominated by men.

"I am certain that she will continue to inspire and influence in all she does next.”